Last season, the Oakland A’s selected Jeramiah McCray out of King HS in Riverside, California in the 25th round. The speedy outfielder spent his pro debut season in the Arizona Rookie League, and he hit .202/.260/.316.

This year, McCray began the season in Extended Spring Training and he joined the Vermont Lake Monsters at the start of short-season. McCray didn’t get regular playing time with the Lake Monsters and he hit .174/.188/.174 in 46 at-bats. On August 9, McCray was sent back to Arizona. He played more regularly with the AZL Athletics and while his batting average was only .156, he walked eight times in 17 games and he stole five bases.

Donald Moore spoke with the 19-year-old before he was sent back to Arizona.

Donald Moore: Hi Jeramiah, how is everything going for you so far this season?

Jeramiah McCray: It’s going good, it could be a little better, but I’ll just keep trusting the process and let the chips fall into place.

DM: What are your goals for this year?

JM: Get my RBIs up and stolen bags and get my speed to my full potential.

DM: What would you’d like to improve on?

JM: My plate discipline is what I’d like to improve on the most.

DM: How are you adjusting to professional baseball?

JM: Last year I played in the AZL. That was quite a big adjustment from high school and the AZL. Now is a lot more easy when I first got drafted.

DM: What do you like best about being a pro athlete?

JM: No school.

DM: Any pregame routines?

JM: Usually hit in the cage 15 to 20 swings off the tee and get some flips in.

DM: Any hobbies?

JM: Video games, big video game player.

DM: Favorite baseball team growing up?

JM: Boston Red Sox.

DM: Where are you originally from?

JM: I was born in Long Beach, California.

DM: If there is one person that taught you the most about baseball, who would that be?

JM: It’s got to be my dad. He just always pushed me and told me to keep going and gave me good advice.

DM: Craziest thing you have ever seen on a baseball diamond?

JM: Triple play and in here and the bat boy got smoked in the chest and he got sent to the ER.

DM: Any off season plans?

JM: Work on staying back on the ball. Hopefully I’ll get a job somewhere and come back to spring training stronger.

DM: I want to thank you for your time and the best of luck to you and your career.